Conquering the world one country at a time.

November 20, 2017January 16, 2018

Why I’ll never fly with Ryanair again.

It’s safe to say that the UK travel industry has experienced a fair bit of turbulence over the past few months.

On Monday 18 September budget airline Ryanair announced that up to 2,000 flights would be cancelled between then and Sunday 29 October, due to “mismanagement of pilots’ holidays”. The Irish company held up its hands, blaming HR rostering problems for the cancellations. “We have messed up in the planning of pilot holidays and we’re working hard to fix that” it wrote on Facebook.

The Civil Aviation Authority began an investigation into the airline – the cancellations had arisen because pilots’ rotas had to be changed to comply with new aviation rules, and because the airline had changed its working year from April-March to January-December. This resulted in hundreds of the pilots being owed annual leave before the end of the year – which of course, their employer had to grant. Everyone deserves a holiday, even those that take us on holiday. But it would mean there would be no pilots available to fly the 400,000 odd passengers booked onto the scheduled flights. It was a stalemate situation – cancellations were the only option for Ryanair.

There were tears, tantrums and a fair few angry tweets from disgruntled customers whose travel plans were in turmoil because of the HR blunder. But unfortunately this was just a prelude to what was coming from the airline…

On Wednesday 27 September, 10 days after the first wave of cancellations, thousands more customers – including myself – received the devastating news that Ryanair was cancelling further scheduled flights. In addition to this, Ryanair announced it was suspending all flights on 34 flight paths, until 1 April 2018.

The news sparked headlines of “Ryanair cancels Christmas and New Year“, as hundreds of thousands of passengers were left stumped as to how to fly home for the festive period. With some having booked their flights up to 11 months in advance, and alternative airlines now unjustifiably expensive, for many, not only had their flights been cancelled, but so too had their Christmas with family and loved ones overseas.

Another one bites the dust.

They (whoever they is) say bad things happen in threes, and this time they weren’t wrong. With the news of Ryanair’s flight cancellations still raw, UK airline Monarch dealt travellers with the final KO blow: at 4am on Monday 2 October the company went into administration.

I am – or rather, was – a big fan of Monarch, having flown with the airline to Egypt, Turkey and Tunisia. I even won a competition on Twitter with the airline, and was awarded a 12-month membership to a diner’s club. So I was extremely sorry to hear that up to 2,100 people stood to lose their jobs, including a friend who works in the legal team at the company’s head office in Luton. But not half as sorry as those directly affected by the news.

A rescue mission to retrieve 110,000 holidaymakers overseas began, with EasyJet and Qatar putting on peacetime repatriation flights from destinations across Europe, including Ibiza, Malaga and Alicante. It would take some passengers hours to get back from countries only two hours away (and for one pair, nearly three days to return home from Alicante).

Meanwhile, those arriving at airports across the UK on that fateful Monday morning were left confused, angry and tearful as their dream holidays were cancelled with no warning. Some were informed just minutes before they were about to board. There were over 300,000 outstanding bookings with Monarch, affecting a total of 750,000 customers due to leave the UK in the coming weeks and months.

Sky high flight prices.

The online algorithms used by airlines to determine the price of seats on their flights went into overdrive. Prices rocketed as the now holiday-less passengers frantically tried to book seats on any plane they could that was flying to their destination. Seats that originally cost around £60 were now costing upward of £300 because the algorithms aligned prices with demand.

Andrew Haines, Chief Executive of the Civil Aviation Authority said nearly half of Monarch passengers were believed to have some form of ATOL protection (which is something I always look for when booking a package holiday), while most of the others would receive refunds on their flights through credit or debit card providers. However, passengers who’d booked accommodation separately would struggle to reclaim their other holiday costs, as many travel insurance providers excluding airline failure from their policies.

Sadly the plight of Monarch was not unforeseen. Two of the airline’s biggest markets, Egypt and Tunisia, have been closed to British tourists following a spate of terrorist attacks. The UK Foreign Office immediately advised against travel to Tunisia and Egypt’s Red Sea resorts after the shooting in Sousse and the bombing of a Russian airliner in 2015, stopping all charter flights from the UK. I was affected by this myself, having my Monarch flight to Enfidha-Hammamet cancelled just four days before departure, but that’s another story for another day.

The political unrest in Turkey also badly affected Monarch’s holiday business. In an attempt to make up its losses, the business ramped up the number of seats it offered to destinations in Spain and Portugal. But the cheaper fares were unfortunately unsustainable for Monarch when competing against Ryanair, EasyJet and Norwegian Air.

Flight delays are one thing, flight delays can be managed, reorganised. But cancelled flights are a whole other kettle of fish; when your flight gets cancelled all together the knock on affect can end up costing hundreds or even thousands. After a flight cancellation comes an airport parking cancellation, a hotel cancellation, transfer cancellations, car hire cancellations, money lost when buying foreign currency that can no longer be spent.

And of course, there’s the upset when plans fall through.

Ryanair: the airline that doesn’t care.

Up until the news of Ryanair’s flight cancellations, I had been a huge advocate of the low-cost airline. With sales offering seats on flights from London airports to other European destinations for as little as £1, Ryanair made the world a lot more accessible, and for a wanderlust traveller like me, it made ticking off my bucket list a lot easier. The company’s £15 flight from Stansted to Fez allowed me to see (and smell) the wonder that is the Chouara Tannery. And, if it wasn’t for my cheap Ryanair flights to Berlin and Budapest this summer, I would never have completed my mission to visit 30 countries before my 30th birthday.

I also regularly used Ryanair to fly to Edinburgh, to visit my best friend Elaine, who had returned to her motherland after getting married and having babies. Her girls are no longer babies though; the youngest, my god daughter, is coming up for six. The family no longer live in Scotland either.

Nearly two years ago they moved over to Bundoran, a small town on the west coast of Ireland. I haven’t seen Elaine, her husband Matthew or the girls since they moved, and missed them dearly. So when Ryanair launched a sale in June earlier this year, I jumped at the chance of a £25 return flight to Belfast, and booked my seats to coincide with my god daughter’s sixth birthday, planning to surprise her.

But, as I mentioned, I was one of those unlucky passengers whose flights were cancelled.

I received the devastating news on Wednesday 27 September, first by text message, swiftly followed by an email. I read the email carefully: I could have a refund or I could request a seat on another Ryanair flight. But there were no other Ryanair flights to Belfast this side of Christmas – in fact, no flights to Belfast until April next year. So it seemed I had no option but to take the refund. I looked for alternative flights from London to Belfast with other airlines, but the cheapest I could find was with EasyJet at £193 return – a cost I just couldn’t justify (I’m in the process of buying a new house).

The next day, by way of apology, Ryanair sent another email offering a voucher for £80 off my next flight. “That’s not too bad,” I thought, as my original flights had only cost £25 – I could visit over the Easter holidays for Elaine’s birthday. But then I read the small print: the voucher had to be used before 31 March 2018. It seemed like some kind of cruel April Fool’s joke, as the airline had cancelled flights between London Gatwick and Belfast until 1 April 2018. Talk about rubbing salt into the wound.

I joined the myriad of angry customers and took to social media to vent my frustration. I also highlighted the sheer idiocy of the £80 voucher gesture when flights to my destination were suspended until after the voucher had expired. My tweet received a fair bit of attention, with over 70 likes and 80 retweets. This was followed by requests for interviews from journalists at Sky News, ITN News, BBC radio and The Times. Not that it helped – Ryanair didn’t respond to my tweets. When I tried calling customer services I got told to fill in an online form. But the website was down and online web support was sending me around in circles.

I’ll never use Ryanair again.

Though it’s of no real consolation to me, I’ve read online that Ryanair’s COO, Michael Hickey, resigned following the mishap. I wasn’t surprised to read that rival low-cost airlines have reported an increase in bookings following Ryanair’s cancellations, either. Many passengers are now nervous to book with Ryanair, fearing more cancellations. I, for one, will never travel with Ryanair again.

Feeling deflated, I realised that my plans to visit my best friend and surprise my god daughter for her birthday were thwarted. I contacted Elaine and regrettably explained the situation. She was understanding and sympathetic.

But then I had an idea…

Avios and British Airways to the rescue.

This tale isn’t all doom and gloom; there is a happy ending after all. Because, after a fab wintery weekend in Bundoran, I’m sat here writing this from the comfort of the British Airways business class lounge at Belfast City airport, awaiting the 7.25pm flight to Heathrow T5.

Because, just like when I managed to book a 4 star hotel in Budapest for free, I used my Avios points to save my travel plans. For 15,000 points plus £50 taxes, I was able to fly to Belfast to meet Elaine, spend some quality time with her family and friends, and meet new canine additions to the family, Darragh and Braidy. I even squeezed in a few pints of Guinness and a visit to the Fairy Bridges and Wishing Chair of Bundoran. It was so good to see Elaine after nearly two years – and though we’re no longer close geographically, it was just like old times.

*****

Some may think it’s a waste of my Avios airmiles to fly business class on a 45-minute to Belfast – but for me, it was the only option left after Ryanair left my travel plans in turmoil. So, a massive thank you to Avios and British Airways for making a weekend with my oldest, dearest friend a possibility.

99 thoughts on “Why I’ll never fly with Ryanair again.”

I always try not to fly with Ryanair but their prices have sometimes made that difficult and I have been tempted in to booking. However after all the cancellations and seeing so many people affected I really don’t think I will fly with them again, even if they’re significantly cheaper. I just don’t feel like I can trust them. I’m really pleased you found a way around it all though, it must have been so stressful.

I have only flown Ryanair once before, on a trip to Lisbon, and I was actually impressed with the journey – I found there to be a little more space in the cabins than on easyjet flights which I had previously sworn by! However, I am just not sure that I’d trust Ryanair to honour my booking now – I’m so sorry that you experienced so much disruption! Using Avio points seems like a way safer option!

I dont think I’ve flown with Ryanair before. its bad that they made such a blunder, it won’t be good for them especially if customers decide they are no longer reliable and like u won’t fly with them. It’s bad that other airlines are so expensive and people are missing out seeing family over Christmas.

Its awful that you had your flight cancelled and the fact that Ryanair which like you said used to be a great budget airline royally f**ked up is a bitter pill to swallow. I heard of some stories where people were not able to see their dying loved ones and it broke my heart. It is so sad x

Really sad – and the airline just doesn’t seem to care! By law they’re supposed to compensate everyone and put everyone on the next available flight, whether that’s with them or another airline, but they just weren’t sticking to the rules. They deserved to be fined and put out of business if you ask me! x

I hate how all airline companies in general play with their passangers like they’re just numbers. I fly a lot with Ryanair, otherwise I wouldn’t be able to I visit my family so often.
Thankfully I’ve never had any problems, all my cancellations, delays and various problems have actually always been with British Airways!
xx
Ingrid

Whew..that story stressed me out. Talk about a ton of problems with Monarch and RyanAir! Sorry that this all happened to you and the thousands of other travelers. But I am glad you were able to cash in your Avios Points and get over to see your “family” in Belfast. I dont know what I would have done. Darcee would probably have to sedate me.
Out of curiosity is there really no way to train & then boat over to Belfast from the Mainland?

Haha! It was a bit touch and go, I won’t lie! Driving or training to Ireland just wasn’t an option – as my friends live over in Bundoran on the west coast of Southern Ireland, Belfast is their nearest airport. So it would have been way too long a journey to get there if not flying, unfortunately 😦 x

Omg. I just heard about RyanAir about a couple weeks ago – nothing bad though. I didn’t expect this. Wow. The fact that they gave you a voucher trying to make up for the canceled flights, but you couldn’t even use it! Thank you for such a detailed account of what happened.

I feel so sorry for all the people who have been affected by the Ryan Air situation – for those who have lost out on money or holidays as a result. I agree with you, I wouldn’t be confident in booking flights with them again in the future. I’m glad you were able to make the trip to Belfast in the end.

Oh Becca, I totally understand and feel your frustrations with Ryanair! They cancelled a flight when I was at the boarding gate going to Venice, can you imagine?! I’m so glad you still made it to Belfast in spite of the Ryanair madness. I completely agree with you, but unfortunately, sometimes, it’s the only airline in Europe for the route you want 😦

So glad you managed to sort things out in the end! I travelled with Ryanair a couple of times but it was the worst company we’ve ever flown with and since then me and the husband decided we’d rather stay at home than fly with them!

Oh no, I’m so sorry for you. I think Ryanair, Easyjet etc are good for what they are: cheap ways to get somewhere. But their cheap tickets do come at another price. There is more stress and also more uncertainty than flying with non-budget airlines. I learnt my lessons with Easyjet when I didn’t make it in time for a wedding of a friend. So no budget airlines again without any buffer.

What a fiasco! How awful for all those people left stranded. And the skyrocketing prices just added insult to injury. Glad it wasn’t all doom and gloom for you though! Best of luck with your future flights!

When Ryanair first announced that they were cancelling flights, I had a flight booked with them to Marrakech for our wedding anniversary and were worried that it would be cancelled. Luckily it wasn’t cancelled but I won’t be using them again, no matter how low their airfares might be.

Wow Ryanair has become so horrible hasn’t it!!! The worst experience I had with them was when my luggage was oversized by 2kg and they stressed me out about it. You certainly had a very bad experience so indeed you should avoid them at all costs!

Oh dear, this is the first I’ve heard of the airline and all of its woes. It’s too bad because so many people relied on the promise they made when they said they would get them from point A to point B. I’m glad you were able to visit your friend after all, but it sure was a long and winding road to get there. x

I did hear about the Ryan Air fiasco although I haven’t heard of the airline called Monarch. I felt so horrible for the people whose flights were cancelled and could only imagine how tough the situation would’ve been for them! I’m so sorry to hear that you were one of them. However, I am glad you still made the most of your situation and got a good flight discount with British Airways.

So I kinda wish I hadn’t of read this Becca! – I knew of the problems RyanAir were having and was dubious about them. However I’m off to Marrakesh at the end of the year and I’m flying with RyanAir. I’m hoping I encounter no issues there or on the way back – I too have flown with Monarch a few times but that was a few years back and never had issues with them. Wish me luck with my flight haha

Wishing you so much luck buddy! If you get stuck, EasyJet do do flights to Marrakech – I flew to Fez with Ryanair, and back from Marrakech with EasyJet, so it may still be possible! Fingers crossed there are no more cancellations though! x

I feel the same way you did about the Ryanair catastrophe. I have used them so much, and although I wasn’t affected by their issues, it made me realise what a shoddy company they are. I was so glad you got to use your avios points to go see your god-daughter th0ugh! Well done you for thinking ahead and getting to see them all

Horrible that you were caught up in the Ryan Air drama. It does seem awfully unfair and very badly dealt with. Such a lovely happy ending though to read that you saw Elaine after all that. So very worth it by all accounts.

I made the same promise 3 years ago, and have never flown with Ryan Air since. I just don’t like the service or quality and the cancellations are a shame for so many customers. Sorry it affected your plans.

I’m so glad you got to Ireland in the end. We had flights booked during the months they were cancelling, fortunately ours weren’t affected. I’ll definitely look at other airlines first now after all the trouble with them…though their cheap flights are hard to say no to when you’re on a budget.

Sorry to hear about your experience. I never tried flying with Ryanair yet. But thanks for this honest review. I might choose other aircraft companies then. It’s really hassle for travelers to experience this kind of mismanagement. I would feel the same if this happens to me. I don’t want to waste all my efforts planning my trips because of incidents like that. Wouldn’t want to waste money either rebooking flights.

First time I have read this since the trip (read as the email but not on the blog. I was on here reading about your Icelandic adventures!). I still can’t get my head round how complicated it was to get you over here to County Donegal to visit us! It was like a scene from ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’ (without the trains – the nearest station is 35 minutes south from here, but would have resulted in you having to get to Dublin, then a three hour train journey to Sligo, then a 30 minute car journey here!!!)
To see my bestie and to know that, despite your busy and full travel plans, you never forget me and the family, means you will always be my dearest friend. My little Mhairi is lucky to have you are her godmother, and I am blessed to have you as my friend 🙂 Love ya, Becca!! x

Wow…what an ordeal! Sorry to hear about your cancellation experience. Glad to hear it all worked out in the end. I am not sure if businesses realize that word of mouth from travelers like you is extra damaging to their already tarnished reputation in cases like this.

Thanks for the comment Kristie – I completely agree, word of mouth works both ways right? If travellers have positive experiences, they write glowing reviews. But if they have poor experiences, of course they’re going to “warn” other travellers x

Well yea, If I face a flight cancellation like this, I would blacklist the airline probably. Unfortunately, I live in the North, where Ryanair has almost no flights.
I actually prefer getting around by other means of transportation when possible. I am not really against flying, I just hate airlines and airports.